Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 30

The Captive Imposter Character Spotlight

*** Book Giveaway ***

See below for contest rules

You got to meet author Dawn Crandall on Tuesday, now today, she introduces you to her heroine and hero from The Captive Imposter, Dawn’s newest release. But first, here’s a little about the story:

For her own protection following the murder of her brother Will, hotel heiress Estella Everstone assumes the alias of Elle Stoneburner and takes a job as companion to an elderly widow. Never did she imagine that her position would lead her back to her beloved Everston, a picturesque resort property tucked away in the rugged mountains of Maine. Living below her station in a guise of anonymity has its struggles, but her spirits are buoyed by a newfound friendship with the hotel manager, Dexter Blakeley. And his distaste for the spoiled socialites who frequent his hotel causes her to take a close look at her own priorities and past lifestyle. When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer of employment she can’t refuse. As the two interact and open up to each other, Estella feels a growing attraction to Dexter; and increasing discomfort over concealing her identity. Yet, in spite of the false pretense she’s putting forth, she’s never felt freer to be herself than in his presence. But will he still love her when he learns the truth about who she is?

Brief physical description of characters~

ESTELLA EVERSTONE /alias, Elle Stoneburner – dark brown hair, deep dark brown eyes, small in stature, average height. (see )

DEXTER BLAKELEY – dark brown, greenish-brown hazel eyes, average height and build. (see )

Strengths and weaknesses

ESTELLA – She’s good at always doing what needs to be done, no matter if she likes it or not… this is a strength and a weakness, for it seems she’s lost herself in the expectations of others over the years. To the point she feels she isn’t truly known by anyone.

DEXTER – He is also very good at doing what needs to be done, but he does it as a way of life, with purpose. His main weakness comes in the fact that he won’t allow anyone into his heart. Although he lives valiantly and helps others in any way he can, he strives to keep himself closed off from feeling deeply for others.

Your inspiration for the character

ESTELLA  – Truthfully, the character came to be all on her own as I started writing books The Hesitant Heiress and The Bound Heart (the first two books in The Everstone Chronicles series). She’s has minor parts in those books, and is mostly a mystery to the reader. They know bits and pieces about her, but nothing solid. She really came into her own while I wrote The Captive Imposter from her first person point of view—and the main goal wasn’t just for me to discover her, but for her to discover herself.

DEXTER – I can’t deny that the character of John Thornton from North & South had a very strong influence in the beginning. I loved channeling all that broodiness into someone so misunderstood by most… but needed to get even deeper! I needed the reader, from Estella’s perspective, to inadvertently crack his walls and really get to know the man and why he behaved the way he did.

Background to the story (eg. What inspired your story idea)

Honestly, I didn’t know the whole story behind Estella’s words and actions in the first two books—they were just her being her, and I didn’t really know her yet. It was very interesting to finally find out what exactly had happened concerning the broken secret engagement between her and Jay Crawford, and specifically why it was that he seemed to want to hang on to the idea of being with her throughout the years without letting himself really give into her urgings to reconcile. The reader finds out so much more about Jay in this book, and why he could never be her hero. And I had so much fun figuring out who really was perfect for her—Dexter Blakeley!

I also finished writing this book while I was dealing with the emotions of being a new mom, and I think the whole “expectations of others/losing yourself in what needs to be done” part of her character arc really came through because of that.

About Dawn Crandall~

A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing her debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.

Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Northeast Indiana.

Dawn is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.

The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series and is published by Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a Finalist in 2013. Her debut novel,The Hesitant Heiress, won the inspirational single title category of the RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in 2015!

Connect with Dawn~

Website | Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Newsletter signup

>>>Book Giveaway<<<

Dawn has graciously offered to give away one ebook copy of The Captive Imposter. To enter, leave a comment on today’s post (June 18, 2015) and/or Tuesday’s post (June 16, 2015).

This contest ends Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Monday, June 22, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

 

Getting to Know Author Dawn Crandall

*** Book Giveaway ***

See below for contest rules

I’m happy to welcome Dawn Crandall today, author of The Everstone Chronicles series. I haven’t read any of Dawn’s books yet, but word has it that fans of Laura Frantz love her, and since I absolutely love Laura’s books, I’ll definitely give Dawn’s a try.

Welcome, Dawn! Thanks for visiting my blog and congratulations on your latest release, The Captive Imposter (The Everstone Chronicles book #3)! What inspired this story?

Estella Everstone has been someone I’d written about in my first two books over the last few years, but since I write each book from a different character’s first person perspective, I’d only ever seen her through the eyes of others. So once I sat down to get to know her I found out lots! And above all, it was that she needed someone other than the man I’d thought she would end up with! I’d always wanted to write a book set at a resort deep in the mountains of Maine–and the manager of that resort just turned out to be the perfect hero for my Estella.

What is your favorite characteristic about your story’s hero and heroine?

I would say it has to be their determination to do what needs to be done. Estella is sent away from her family to be kept safe. She has no say, but is a willing participant. Dexter Blakeley’s personality oozes responsibility–so much so that he does so much for the benefit of others without thinking of what he needs. When he sees a need, he does everything in his power to make things right.

Please tell us about the spiritual theme of your story you hope every reader is challenged by:

The spiritual theme running throughout the story has to do with being rescued by God. That He wants us, loves us and knows what is best for us.

I recently came across this really great photo to symbolize the struggle my current WIP’s heroine {Violet Hawthorne} has as she tries to escape her circumstances along her twisted path to finding true love. http://pinterest.com/pin/86272149088358547/

Did you always want to be an author? Or were you surprised your path to publishing?

I’d always enjoyed creative writing in school (it was actually the only thing I was good at), and I’ve thought the idea of writing a novel was interesting since I was in high school…. however, I didn’t write anything other than what was assigned to me in both high school and college–and after that, nothing at all. It wasn’t until I was married and in my thirties that my husband found out about it and encouraged me. That all I needed. I started my debut novel {The Hesitant Heiress, August 2014} in 2010, went to ACFW in 2011, signed with my agent directly afterwards and signed my book contract with Whitaker House in 2013. So yeah, more surprised than anything!

Favorite century to read? To write? To watch on TV or in a movie?

READ: I have a great love for regency romances! Anything from Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer!

WRITE: My favorite time period to write is late Victorian/Gilded Age America… but with that same regency feel to them.

WATCH: Any clean historical romance!

Favorite heroine of all time, and why?

Jane Eyre, because she’s written so honestly and deeply from first person POV—which is why I like to write from this same POV.

Jane is one of my favorites too. I love that she’s an atypical heroine, and I love her fortitude.

Thanks again, Dawn, for joining me! And readers, please come back on Thursday for The Captive Imposter character spotlight.

About Dawn Crandall~

A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing her debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.

Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Northeast Indiana.

Dawn is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.

The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series and is published by Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a Finalist in 2013. Her debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress, won the inspirational single title category of the RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in 2015!

Connect with Dawn~

Website | Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Newsletter signup

>>>Book Giveaway<<<

Dawn has graciously offered to give away one ebook copy of The Captive Imposter. To enter, leave a comment on today’s post (June 16, 2015) and/or Thursday’s post (Jun3 18, 2015).

This contest ends Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Monday, June 22, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

 

Staggered Blogging

At the risk of committing an authorial faux pas, I’ve decided to take somewhat of a break from blogging this summer. Instead of struggling to come up with something relevant every Tuesday and Thursday, I’ll just post something when the inspiration hits or when I have a scheduled guest. I’m also taking a break from my Inkspirational Messages blog.

With Hungry for Home, the fourth book in my Coming Home series, scheduled to release September 22, it’s important that I focus my time on that book rather than have the distraction of the blog and all the social media that comes with it. Besides, who wants to sit and read blog posts in the summer?!

Who knows, in the meantime, maybe I’ll actually be able to whittle down my massive to-read pile.

Come fall, I’m certain I’ll be back regularly.

Have a great summer!

Talking Writing & Coasters at Novel Rocket

I’m over at Novel Rocket today talking two of my favorite topics: writing and roller coasters. I’d love to see you hop over and visit!

Thank you to the fabulous Michelle Griep for inviting me.

http://www.novelrocket.com/2015/06/riding-writing-roller-coaster.html

No Such Thing as Impossible

My new favorite song, “Impossible” by Building 429. I love the message and the encouragement it offers those following their dreams. I challenge you to sit still while you listen.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

Novel Anticipation – June 2015

With one exception, it’s a pretty light month reading-wise for me. Of course, I’m thrilled for my friend and critique partner, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, whose 11th book released this month. Watch for more from Shannon (on my blog) later this month.

Then it’s great seeing a male author with a release in Christian fiction. Anyone else notice how they’re becoming extinct? Anyone besides me disappointed with that?

RODEO REUNION

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Love Inspired Heartsong Presents

RAQUEL MARRIS NEEDS A MAN WHO’LL STAY PUT

And Slade Walker’s not a likely candidate. Even if the former major league pitcher just agreed to coach her son’s little league team. The single mom can’t risk everything on a bronc-riding chaplain who’s only passing through Raquel’s small Texas town.

Slade is taking a hiatus from the rodeo circuit to meet the sister he never knew he had. But the pretty widowed nurse next door is making him think twice about hitting the road again. He can’t turn his back on the cowboys who need him, but Raquel and her boy need him, too. Can Slade fulfill his calling and finally find a place to hang his hat?

CENTRALIA

by Mike Dellosso

Tyndale House

Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.

DRAWING FIRE

Cold Case Justice Series #1

by Janice Cantore

Tyndale House

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.

With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her—one Luke is interested in as well.

As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

MARRIED ‘TIL MONDAY

A Chapel Springs Romance #4

by Denise Hunter

Thomas Nelson

With a big anniversary party in the works for his ex-wife’s parents, Ryan has just one weekend to play Abby’s husband . . . and win back the woman of his dreams.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive two-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Summer Harbor, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. It’s just a one-week road trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?

“Lullaby for a Birthmom” – Memory Box Secrets Playlist

In one of the subplots in Memory Box Secrets, a teenage mom and her boyfriend plan to give their child up for adoption. It was my intention to show Meghan and Doran’s decision as being extraordinarily courageous and loving. Hopefully that came across in the book.

“Lullaby for a Birthmom” is a song Michael Pearce Donley has performed at concerts but isn’t available for purchase (that I’ve found anyway). I happened to hear him perform this piece a few years back when he joined his Triple Espresso buddies for a fundraiser for New Life Family Services (an organization that provides support for women, men, and couples faced with unplanned or unwanted pregnancies). It’s a beautiful song and tribute that says birthmoms are heroes.

They most certainly are.

“Family Tree” – Memory Box Secrets Playlist

In Memory Box Secrets, Sheila Peterson-Brook’s greatest fear is that she’s going to parent just as her mother and father raised her. No, she wasn’t abused, physically, but she wasn’t loved either. Sheila spent much of her life closing off her heart, because it hurt to much to feel, but her new-found faith is helping break open her heart.

I love how “Family Tree” by Matthew West says that our family tree isn’t our legacy, that what happened yesterday doesn’t define who we are, and that God can break the chains binding us.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

The Music of Memory Box Secrets

I’m blogging over at Inkspirational Messages today! For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been sharing whether we’re a “little bit country” or “a little bit rock ‘n roll.” I took a different path on this topic by sharing what type of music Sheila, my heroine from Memory Box Secrets, prefers.

http://inkspirationalmessages.com/musical-memories/

Also, over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more songs from the Memory Box Secrets playlist, talking about how they relate to the story, so I hope you’ll come visit again.

“You Are Loved” – Memory Box Secrets Playlist

In Memory Box Secrets, I delve into the past of my heroine, Sheila Peterson-Brooks, learning more about how all she ever wanted was to be loved by her parents. The song, “You Are Loved” by Building 429 could have been written by Sheila herself. It really addresses her hurt and longing, something those of us who come from loving homes can’t imagine.